28 days later ... you forget this movie.(SPOILERS)

Rating: 5/10 (23 August 2003)

This is a very ordinary film with no original contribution to the genre. The camera work is interesting at times, but the concept and script are straight out of the vault (of hackneyed and overworked ideas). It has no real identity of its own to speak of and, thus, is hardly worth speaking about.
The movie lacks the hard edge that might have given it some distinction. It has some grit, but it is inconsistent. Scenes are painstakingly manipulated to set up suspense that never materializes, such as when the females are forced to dress up so they can be more fun(?), attractive(?) or what(?) to rape by the horny little soldiers.
Long before fashion becomes an issue, the film betrays itself with contrivances and inconsistencies in the world it seeks to create. When poor addle-brained Jim stumbles about a deserted London, for example, there is nary a clue as to the "rage" that decimated the population. Meanwhile, Selena and her original companion are scrounging out an existence in a city with grocery stores filled with food. Shortly after, Selena, who would leave anybody who falls behind, skips off to visit Jim's mum and dad for no apparent good reason. Nearing the end, Jim is handcuffed then mysteriously not handcuffed so he can rescue the ladies. The director didn't even bother with an implausible account of that fete. At least he could have inserted a bubble over Jim's head thinking "What good luck I am Houdini's great-grandson." It wouldn't have detracted from the film in the least. The list goes on and on. Even classic horror has a plot hole here and there, but never so many, so deep.
It really wouldn't have been hard to tighten up the logic of the film to give the treatment some integrity. Filmakers seem to not bother with details these days. But why bother when consumers don't demand it?
If one suspends disbelief and good taste, this film can be tolerated. Otherwise, if you're lucky, 28 days later .... you forget this movie.

My rating: 6 (scale of 10)